U.S. patent application number 10/042231 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for image processing apparatus, image processing method and recording medium.
Invention is credited to Nakano, Masaki.
Application Number | 20020093518 10/042231 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18877938 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020093518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakano, Masaki |
July 18, 2002 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and recording
medium
Abstract
In an image processing apparatus, when the image quality is
adjusted, an image before performing an adjustment operation, a
default adjustment image and an image to be adjusted are
simultaneously displayed, and images of the same video source are
simultaneously displayed by a multiscreen display according to a
multiscreen synthesis function in order that the image quality
adjustment operation can be easily performed.
Inventors: |
Nakano, Masaki; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Family ID: |
18877938 |
Appl. No.: |
10/042231 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/643 ;
348/E17.006; 348/E5.062; 348/E5.102; 348/E5.112; 348/E5.119;
382/284; 382/299 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/44513 20130101;
H04N 21/4854 20130101; H04N 5/14 20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101; H04N
17/045 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N
5/57 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/643 ;
382/284; 382/299 |
International
Class: |
G06K 009/36; G06K
009/32; G09G 005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 18, 2001 |
JP |
010665/2001 (PAT. |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image processing apparatus comprising: multiscreen synthesis
means for composing one screen by executing a trimming process to a
part of an input image and arranging plural pieces of that image;
image quality adjustment value storage means for storing image
quality adjustment values for plural kinds of image quality
adjustment processes; image quality adjustment process means for
executing the image quality adjustment processes for plural images
on the basis of the image quality adjustment values stored in said
image quality adjustment value storage means; and control means for
converting an input image into a first image to which an image
quality adjustment process was executed by said image quality
adjustment process means on the basis of an image quality
adjustment value before performing an image quality adjustment
operation stored in said image quality adjustment value storage
means, and similarly converting the input image into a second image
to which an image quality adjustment process was executed by said
image quality adjustment process means on the basis of an image
quality adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment
operation, then displaying the converted first and second images on
one screen with arranged state by said multiscreen synthesis
means.
2. An image processing apparatus comprising: image enlargement and
reduction means for enlarging and reducing an input image;
multiscreen synthesis means for composing one screen by arranging
plural pieces of the input image reduced by said image enlargement
and reduction means; image quality adjustment value storage means
for storing image quality adjustment values for plural kinds of
image quality adjustment processes; image quality adjustment
process means for executing the image quality adjustment processes
for plural images on the basis of the image quality adjustment
values stored in said image quality adjustment value storage means;
and control means for executing an image quality adjustment process
to an input image by said image quality adjustment process means on
the basis of an image quality adjustment value before performing an
image quality adjustment operation stored in said image quality
adjustment value storage means and converting the input image into
a first image which was reduced by said image enlargement and
reduction means, and similarly executing an image quality
adjustment process to the input image by said image quality
adjustment process means on the basis of an image quality
adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment operation and
converting the input image into a second image which was reduced by
said image enlargement and reduction means, then displaying the
converted first and second images on one screen with arranged state
by said multiscreen synthesis means.
3. An image processing apparatus comprising: image enlargement and
reduction means for enlarging and reducing an input image;
multiscreen synthesis means for composing one screen by executing a
trimming process to a part of the image reduced by said image
enlargement and reduction means and arranging plural pieces of that
image; image quality adjustment value storage means for storing
image quality adjustment values for plural kinds of image quality
adjustment processes; image quality adjustment process means for
executing the image quality adjustment processes for plural images
on the basis of each of combinations of the image quality
adjustment values stored in said image quality adjustment value
storage means; and control means for executing an image quality
adjustment process to an input image by said image quality
adjustment process means on the basis of an image quality
adjustment value before performing an image quality adjustment
operation stored in said image quality adjustment value storage
means and converting the input image into a first image which was
reduced by said image enlargement and reduction means, and
similarly executing an image quality adjustment process to the
input image by said image quality adjustment process means on the
basis of an image quality adjustment value of newly performing an
adjustment operation and converting the input image into a second
image which was reduced by said image enlargement and reduction
means, then displaying the converted first and second images on one
screen with arranged state by said multiscreen synthesis means.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein images which are
displayed on one screen with arranged state by said multiscreen
synthesis means are two pieces, and the image quality adjustment
value before performing the image quality adjustment operation
stored in said image quality adjustment value storage means
coincides with a value which was previously set at a time of
manufacturing, and said multiscreen synthesis means displays an
image to which the image quality adjustment process was executed on
the basis of the value which was previously set at the time of
manufacturing and an image to which the image quality adjustment
process was executed on the basis of the image quality adjustment
value of performing the adjustment operation on one screen with
arranged state.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein images which are
displayed on one screen with arranged state by said multiscreen
synthesis means are two pieces, and the image quality adjustment
value before performing the image quality adjustment operation
stored in said image quality adjustment value storage means
coincides with a value which was used just before starting the
image quality adjustment operation, and said multiscreen synthesis
means displays an image to which the image quality adjustment
process was executed on the basis of the value which was used just
before starting the image quality adjustment operation and an image
to which the image quality adjustment process was executed on the
basis of the image quality adjustment value of performing the
adjustment operation on one screen with arranged state.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein images which are
displayed with arranged state by said multiscreen synthesis means
are two pieces, and any one value can be selected from a value
which was previously set at a time of manufacturing or a value
which was used just before starting the image quality adjustment
operation as the image quality adjustment value before performing
the image quality adjustment operation stored in said image quality
adjustment value storage means, and said multiscreen synthesis
means displays any one image from an image to which the image
quality adjustment process was executed on the basis of the value
which was previously set at the time of manufacturing or an image
to which the image quality adjustment process was executed on the
basis of the value which was used just before starting the image
quality adjustment operation and an image to which the image
quality adjustment process was executed on the basis of the image
quality adjustment value of performing the adjustment operation on
one screen with arranged state.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein images which are
displayed with arranged state by said multiscreen synthesis means
are three pieces, and the image quality adjustment values before
performing the image quality adjustment operation stored in said
image quality adjustment value storage means are two values which
were previously set at a time of manufacturing and used just before
starting the image quality adjustment operation, and said
multiscreen synthesis means displays three pieces of an image to
which the image quality adjustment process was executed on the
basis of the value which was previously set at the time of
manufacturing, an image to which the image quality adjustment
process was executed on the basis of the value which was used just
before starting the image quality adjustment operation and an image
to which the image quality adjustment process was executed on the
basis of the image quality adjustment value of performing the
adjustment operation on one screen with arranged state.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising operation
means for arbitrarily setting a reduction ratio in said image
enlargement and reduction means and image arrangement or trimming
position in said multiscreen synthesis means.
9. An image processing method comprising: a multiscreen synthesis
step of composing one screen by executing a trimming process to a
part of an input image and arranging plural pieces of that image;
an image quality adjustment value storage step of storing image
quality adjustment values for plural kinds of image quality
adjustment processes; and an image quality adjustment process step
of executing the image quality adjustment processes for plural
images on the basis of each of combinations of the image quality
adjustment values stored in said image quality adjustment value
storage step, wherein an input image is converted into a first
image to which an image quality adjustment process was executed in
said image quality adjustment process step on the basis of an image
quality adjustment value before performing an image quality
adjustment operation stored in said image quality adjustment value
storage step, and similarly the input image is converted into a
second image to which an image quality adjustment process was
executed in said image quality adjustment process step on the basis
of an image quality adjustment value of newly performing an
adjustment operation, then the converted first and second images
are displayed on one screen with arranged state in said multiscreen
synthesis step.
10. An image processing method comprising: an image enlargement and
reduction step of enlarging and reducing an input image; a
multiscreen synthesis step of composing one screen by arranging
plural pieces of the input image reduced in said image enlargement
and reduction step; an image quality adjustment value storage step
of storing image quality adjustment values for plural kinds of
image quality adjustment processes; and an image quality adjustment
process step of executing the image quality adjustment processes
for plural images on the basis of each of combinations of the image
quality adjustment values stored in said image quality adjustment
value storage step, wherein an image quality adjustment process is
executed to an input image in said image quality adjustment process
step on the basis of an image quality adjustment value before
performing an image quality adjustment operation stored in said
image quality adjustment value storage step and the input image is
converted into a first image which was reduced in said image
enlargement and reduction step, and similarly an image quality
adjustment process is executed to the input image in said image
quality adjustment process step on the basis of an image quality
adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment operation and
the input image is converted into a second image which was reduced
in said image enlargement and reduction step, then the converted
first and second images are displayed on one screen with arranged
state in said multiscreen synthesis step.
11. An image processing method comprising: an image enlargement and
reduction step of enlarging and reducing an input image; a
multiscreen synthesis step of composing one screen by executing a
trimming process to a part of the image reduced in said image
enlargement and reduction step and arranging plural pieces of that
image; an image quality adjustment value storage step of storing
image quality adjustment values for plural kinds of image quality
adjustment processes; and an image quality adjustment process step
of executing the image quality adjustment processes for plural
images on the basis of each of combinations of the image quality
adjustment values stored in said image quality adjustment value
storage step, wherein an image quality adjustment process is
executed to an input image in said image quality adjustment process
step on the basis of an image quality adjustment value before
performing an image quality adjustment operation stored in said
image quality adjustment value storage step and the input image is
converted into a first image which was reduced in said image
enlargement and reduction step, and similarly an image quality
adjustment process is executed to the input image in said image
quality adjustment process step on the basis of an image quality
adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment operation and
the input image is converted into a second image which was reduced
in said image enlargement and reduction step, then the converted
first and second images are displayed on one screen with arranged
state in said multiscreen synthesis step.
12. A recording medium which records an image display program for
controlling an image processing apparatus by a computer, wherein
said program causes the computer to convert an input image into a
first image to which an image quality adjustment process was
executed on the basis of a stored image quality adjustment value
before performing an image quality adjustment operation, and into a
second image to which an image quality adjustment process was
executed on the basis of an image quality adjustment value of newly
performing an adjustment operation, and execute a trimming process
to parts of the converted first and second images to display
obtained image pieces on one screen with arranged state.
13. A recording medium which records an image display program for
controlling an image processing apparatus by a computer, wherein
said program causes the computer to execute an image quality
adjustment process to an input image on the basis of a stored image
quality adjustment value before performing an image quality
adjustment operation and convert the input image into a first image
which was reduced, and execute an image quality adjustment process
to the input image on the basis of an image quality adjustment
value of newly performing an adjustment operation and convert the
input image into a second image which was reduced, and display the
converted first and second images on one screen with arranged
state.
14. A recording medium which records an image display program for
controlling an image processing apparatus by a computer, wherein
said program causes the computer to execute an image quality
adjustment process to an input image on the basis of a stored image
quality adjustment value before performing an image quality
adjustment operation and convert the input image into a first image
which was reduced, and execute an image quality adjustment process
to the input image on the basis of an image quality adjustment
value of newly performing an adjustment operation and convert the
input image into a second image which was reduced, and execute a
trimming process to each part of the converted first and second
images to display obtained image pieces on one screen with arranged
state.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to image processing apparatus
and method having a new function, and a recording medium storing a
program to achieve the above method.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] Conventionally, an image processing apparatus such as a TV
set or the like has various image quality adjustment functions
related to hue, chromaticity, contrast, lightness and the like on a
displayed image.
[0005] However, in the image quality adjustment in this kind of
conventional image processing apparatus, it is hard to objectively
know effect, difference or the like in the adjustment, therefore,
there is a problem that it is hard to judge whether or not the
optimum adjustment was performed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is made in consideration of the
above-mentioned problem, and an object thereof is to provide
convenience in performing image quality adjustment by
simultaneously displaying a preadjustment image, a default
adjustment image and an adjustment image when the image quality
adjustment such as adjustment of contrast, color balance or the
like is performed in an image processing apparatus.
[0007] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
first aspect is characterized by an image processing apparatus
comprising: a multiscreen synthesis means for composing one screen
by executing a trimming process to a part of an input image and
arranging plural pieces of that image; an image quality adjustment
value storage means for storing image quality adjustment values for
plural kinds of image quality adjustment processes; an image
quality adjustment process means for executing the image quality
adjustment processes for plural images on the basis of the image
quality adjustment values stored in the image quality adjustment
value storage means; and a control means for converting an input
image into a first image to which an image quality adjustment
process was executed by the image quality adjustment process means
on the basis of an image quality adjustment value before performing
an image quality adjustment operation stored in the image quality
adjustment value storage means, and similarly converting the input
image into a second image to which an image quality adjustment
process was executed by the image quality adjustment process means
on the basis of an image quality adjustment value of newly
performing an adjustment operation, then displaying these converted
first and second images on one screen with arranged state by the
multiscreen synthesis means.
[0008] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
second aspect is characterized by an image processing apparatus
comprising: an image enlargement and reduction means for enlarging
and reducing an input image; a multiscreen synthesis means for
composing one screen by arranging plural pieces of the input image
reduced by the image enlargement and reduction means; an image
quality adjustment value storage means for storing image quality
adjustment values for plural kinds of image quality adjustment
processes; an image quality adjustment process means for executing
the image quality adjustment processes for plural images on the
basis of the image quality adjustment values stored in the image
quality adjustment value storage means; and a control means for
executing an image quality adjustment process to an input image by
the image quality adjustment process means on the basis of an image
quality adjustment value before performing an image quality
adjustment operation stored in the image quality adjustment value
storage means and converting the input image into a first image
which was reduced by the image enlargement and reduction means, and
similarly executing an image quality adjustment process to the
input image by the image quality adjustment process means on the
basis of an image quality adjustment value of newly performing an
adjustment operation and converting the input image into a second
image which was reduced by the image enlargement and reduction
means, then displaying these converted first and second images on
one screen with arranged state by the multiscreen synthesis
means.
[0009] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
third aspect is characterized by an image processing apparatus
comprising: an image enlargement and reduction means for enlarging
and reducing an input image; a multiscreen synthesis means for
composing one screen by executing a trimming process to a part of
the image reduced by the image enlargement and reduction means and
arranging plural pieces of that image; an image quality adjustment
value storage means for storing image quality adjustment values for
plural kinds of image quality adjustment processes; an image
quality adjustment process means for executing the image quality
adjustment processes for plural images on the basis of each of
combinations of the image quality adjustment values stored in the
image quality adjustment value storage means; and a control means
for executing an image quality adjustment process to an input image
by the image quality adjustment process means on the basis of an
image quality adjustment value before performing an image quality
adjustment operation stored in the image quality adjustment value
storage means and converting the input image into a first image
which was reduced by the image enlargement and reduction means, and
similarly executing an image quality adjustment process to the
input image by the image quality adjustment process means on the
basis of an image quality adjustment value of newly performing an
adjustment operation and converting the input image into a second
image which was reduced by the image enlargement and reduction
means, then displaying these converted first and second images on
one screen with arranged state by the multiscreen synthesis
means.
[0010] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
fourth aspect is characterized by an image processing method
comprising: a multiscreen synthesis step of composing one screen by
executing a trimming process to a part of an input image and
arranging plural pieces of that image; an image quality adjustment
value storage step of storing image quality adjustment values for
plural kinds of image quality adjustment processes; and an image
quality adjustment process step of executing the image quality
adjustment processes for plural images on the basis of each of
combinations of the image quality adjustment values stored in the
image quality adjustment value storage step, wherein an input image
is converted into a first image to which an image quality
adjustment process was executed in the image quality adjustment
process step on the basis of an image quality adjustment value
before performing an image quality adjustment operation stored in
the image quality adjustment value storage step, and similarly the
input image is converted into a second image to which an image
quality adjustment process was executed in the image quality
adjustment process step on the basis of an image quality adjustment
value of newly performing an adjustment operation, then these
converted first and second images are displayed on one screen with
arranged state in the multiscreen synthesis step.
[0011] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
fifth aspect is characterized by an image processing method
comprising: an image enlargement and reduction step of enlarging
and reducing an input image; a multiscreen synthesis step of
composing one screen by arranging plural pieces of the input image
reduced in the image enlargement and reduction step; an image
quality adjustment value storage step of storing image quality
adjustment values for plural kinds of image quality adjustment
processes; and an image quality adjustment process step of
executing the image quality adjustment processes for plural images
on the basis of each of combinations of the image quality
adjustment values stored in the image quality adjustment value
storage step, wherein an image quality adjustment process is
executed to an input image in the image quality adjustment process
step on the basis of an image quality adjustment value before
performing an image quality adjustment operation stored in the
image quality adjustment value storage step and the input image is
converted into a first image which was reduced in the image
enlargement and reduction step, and similarly an image quality
adjustment process is executed to the input image in the image
quality adjustment process step on the basis of an image quality
adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment operation and
the input image is converted into a second image which was reduced
in the image enlargement and reduction step, then these converted
first and second images are displayed on one screen with arranged
state in the multiscreen synthesis step.
[0012] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
sixth aspect is characterized by an image processing method
comprising: an image enlargement and reduction step of enlarging
and reducing an input image; a multiscreen synthesis step of
composing one screen by executing a trimming process to a part of
the image reduced in the image enlargement and reduction step and
arranging plural pieces of that image; an image quality adjustment
value storage step of storing image quality adjustment values for
plural kinds of image quality adjustment processes; and an image
quality adjustment process step of executing the image quality
adjustment processes for plural images on the basis of each of
combinations of the image quality adjustment values stored in the
image quality adjustment value storage step, wherein an image
quality adjustment process is executed to an input image in the
image quality adjustment process step on the basis of an image
quality adjustment value before performing an image quality
adjustment operation stored in the image quality adjustment value
storage step and the input image is converted into a first image
which was reduced in the image enlargement and reduction step, and
similarly an image quality adjustment process is executed to the
input image in the image quality adjustment process step on the
basis of an image quality adjustment value of newly performing an
adjustment operation and the input image is converted into a second
image which was reduced in the image enlargement and reduction
step, then these converted first and second images are displayed on
one screen with arranged state in the multiscreen synthesis
step.
[0013] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
seventh aspect is characterized by a recording medium which records
a program for controlling an image processing apparatus by a
computer, wherein the program causes the computer to convert an
input image into a first image to which an image quality adjustment
process was executed on the basis of a stored image quality
adjustment value before performing an image quality adjustment
operation, and into a second image to which an image quality
adjustment process was executed on the basis of an image quality
adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment operation; and
execute a trimming process to parts of the converted first and
second images to display obtained image pieces on one screen with
arranged state.
[0014] To achieve the above object, the invention according to an
eighth aspect is characterized by a recording medium which records
a program for controlling an image processing apparatus by a
computer, wherein the program causes the computer to execute an
image quality adjustment process to an input image on the basis of
a stored image quality adjustment value before performing an image
quality adjustment operation and convert the input image into a
first image which was reduced, and execute an image quality
adjustment process to the input image on the basis of an image
quality adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment
operation and convert the input image into a second image which was
reduced; and display the converted first and second images on one
screen with arranged state.
[0015] To achieve the above object, the invention according to a
ninth aspect is characterized by a recording medium which records a
program for controlling an image processing apparatus by a
computer, wherein the program causes the computer to execute an
image quality adjustment process to an input image on the basis of
a stored image quality adjustment value before performing an image
quality adjustment operation and convert the input image into a
first image which was reduced, and execute an image quality
adjustment process to the input image on the basis of an image
quality adjustment value of newly performing an adjustment
operation and convert the input image into a second image which was
reduced; and execute a trimming process to each part of the
converted first and second images to display obtained image pieces
on one screen with arranged state.
[0016] Other functions and features of the invention will become
apparent from the following embodiments based on the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of an image
processing apparatus in the first embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a displayed image in the first
embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure in the
first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a displayed image in the
second embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a displayed image in the third
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of an image
processing apparatus in the fourth embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a displayed image in the
fourth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] First Embodiment
[0025] FIG. 1 shows the structure of an image processing apparatus
in the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
In FIG. 1, numeral 1 denotes a resolution converter acts as an
image enlargement and reduction means. Numeral 6 denotes an image
input terminal for inputting a digital video signal. Numeral 21 and
22 respectively denote first and second image data operation blocks
act as an image quality adjustment process means. Numeral 31 and 32
denote nonvolatile memories such as first and second EEPROM's
(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memories) or the like
act as an image quality adjustment value storage means.
[0026] Numeral 4 denotes a screen synthesis block acts as a
multiscreen synthesis means. Numeral 5 denotes a display used for
displaying images. Numeral 71 and 72 denote first and second frame
memories function as buffers for temporarily storing image data.
Numeral 74 denotes an OSD signal generator for generating a signal
of an OSD (On Screen Display) which visually displays various
operation states or the like for an operator. Numeral 75 denotes an
operation key block used for performing various operations by the
operator. Numeral 76 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which
controls the entire of the image processing apparatus and takes an
interface with the operator.
[0027] The operation key block 75 detects various keys operations
according to operations performed by the operator and notifies
related key data to the CPU 76. Upon receiving the data input, the
CPU 76 controls the entire of an image display apparatus including
the resolution converter 1, the first and second nonvolatile
memories 31 and 32, the OSD signal generator 74 and other circuit
blocks (not shown).
[0028] Image data input from the image input terminal 6 is reduced
to half the size of the original size in longitudinal and lateral
directions by the resolution converter 1 and once stored in the
frame memories 71 and 72. Subsequently, an operation process
regarding an image quality adjustment is executed to the reduced
image data output from the frame memories 71 and 72 on the basis of
image quality adjustment values stored in the first and second
nonvolatile memories 31 and 32 in the first and second image data
operation blocks 21 and 22. As the image quality adjustment values,
for example, various values such as lightness, contrast,
chromaticity, hue, RGB (red, green and blue) balance, color
temperature, gamma characteristics, sharpness (emphasis) and the
like or combinations of these values correspond to the image
quality adjustment value.
[0029] The image quality adjustment value just before starting an
image quality adjustment operation is stored in the first
nonvolatile memory 31 and the image quality adjustment value in
performing the image quality adjustment operation by the operation
key block 75 is stored in the second nonvolatile memory 32 by an
instruction from the CPU 76.
[0030] The screen synthesis block 4 arranges the image data from
the image data operation block 21 on a central position in a left
half area in a display screen, the image data from the image data
operation block 22 on a central position in a right half area in
the display screen and superimposes a signal from the OSD signal
generator 74 on a central lower portion in the display screen, then
the display 5 forms images to which a multiscreen synthesis process
was executed.
[0031] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the display screen of the
display 5 at this time of the above state. In FIG. 2, numeral 101
denotes an image just before starting the image quality adjustment
operation, numeral 102 denotes an image in performing the image
quality adjustment operation and numeral 111 denotes an image
quality adjustment display according to the OSD signal generator
74.
[0032] In this case, state of performing an adjustment operation of
"lightness" to the image 102 displayed on a right side in the
screen while comparing it with the image 101 just before starting
the image quality adjustment operation displayed on a left side in
the screen is indicated. It should be noted that the reason for
giving an adjustment of the "lightness" as an example depends on a
fact that the purpose of the present invention has to be
illustrated more comprehensible in this description of expressing
images in monochrome, and the adjustment is not limited to the
lightness. For example, operations of various image quality
adjustments such as contrast, chromaticity, hue, RGB balance, color
temperature, gamma characteristics, sharpness (emphasis) and the
like can be performed.
[0033] Next, a sequence (processing procedure) of the CPU 76
related to the image quality adjustment will be explained. A flow
chart shown in FIG. 3 schematically shows a flow when the CPU 76
performs the image quality adjustment operation.
[0034] At first, after starting the flow in a step 201, when the
operator selects an image quality adjustment mode using the
operation key block 75, it is shifted to a multiscreen display mode
as shown in FIG. 2 in a step 202.
[0035] Then, a display process based on the OSD is executed in a
step 203, an image quality adjustment value update process of the
second nonvolatile memory 32 is executed in accordance with an
instruction from the operation key block 75 in a step 204 and a
checking process of an image quality adjustment mode terminating
instruction from the operation key block 75 is executed in a step
205. If the image quality adjustment mode terminating instruction
does not exist, the flow returns to the step 203 and the above
processes are repeated.
[0036] In the step 205, if the image quality adjustment mode
terminating instruction exists, the flow advances to a step 206,
where an image quality adjustment value stored in the second
nonvolatile memory 32 at that time is firstly copied (mapping) to
the first nonvolatile memory 31. Then, in a next step 207, the flow
is returned to the display mode which is just before the
multiscreen display mode shifted in the step 202 and the display
according to the OSD signal generator 74 is terminated to exit from
a series of the image quality adjustment sequence in a step
208.
[0037] Thus, according to the first embodiment, since the image
quality adjustment operation can be performed while comparing the
image to be adjusted with the image just before starting the image
quality adjustment operation by displaying the image just before
starting the image quality adjustment operation and the image to be
adjusted, the adjustment operation can be easily performed.
[0038] Second Embodiment
[0039] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a display screen of a
display 5 in the second embodiment to which the present invention
is applied. In FIG. 4, numeral 101 denotes an image just before
starting the image quality adjustment operation, numeral 102
denotes an image in performing the image quality adjustment
operation and numeral 111 denotes an image quality adjustment
display according to an OSD signal generator 74. That is, the same
reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given. It
should be noted that since circuit blocks for realizing the second
embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0040] In the second embodiment, a reduction ratio in a resolution
converter 1 is set 2/3, and both sides of two images are cut out by
a screen synthesis block 4, then a trimming process is executed to
form images.
[0041] The trimming process of cutting out both sides of the two
images may be executed at the time of executing a reduction process
in the resolution converter 1 or writing image data to first and
second frame memories 71 and 72.
[0042] Thus, according to the second embodiment, when the image 101
just before starting the image quality adjustment operation and the
image 102 to be adjusted are displayed, an image to which the
adjustment operation can be easily performed for a user is
extracted by executing the trimming process to the image, then the
adjustment operation can be performed using the image, therefore,
the adjustment operation can be easily performed. The image to
which the adjustment operation can be easily performed for the user
is such an image as found in a skin color portion of a human face
or the like, for example, in a case where lightness is
adjusted.
[0043] Third Embodiment
[0044] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a display screen of a
display 5 in the third embodiment to which the present invention is
applied. In FIG. 5, numeral 101 denotes an image just before
starting the image quality adjustment operation, numeral 102
denotes an image in performing the image quality adjustment
operation and numeral 111 denotes an image quality adjustment
display according to an OSD signal generator 74. That is, the same
reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given. It
should be noted that since circuit blocks for realizing the third
embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0045] In the third embodiment, a reduction process in a resolution
converter 1 is not executed and both sides of two images are cut
out by a screen synthesis block 4, then a trimming process is
executed to form images. The image quality adjustment display 111
according to the OSD signal generator 74 is superimposed and
synthesized on the lowest position in the image 102 in performing
the image quality adjustment operation.
[0046] The trimming process of cutting out both sides of the two
images may be executed at the time of executing a reduction process
in the resolution converter 1 or writing image data to first and
second frame memories 71 and 72.
[0047] Thus, in the third embodiment, similar to the
above-mentioned second embodiment, an image to which the adjustment
operation can be easily performed for a user is extracted, then the
adjustment operation can be performed using the image, therefore,
the adjustment operation can be easily performed.
[0048] Fourth Embodiment
[0049] FIG. 6 shows the structure of an image processing apparatus
for realizing the fourth embodiment to which the present invention
is applied. In the structure shown in FIG. 6, a third image data
operation block 23 acts as an image quality adjustment process
means, a third nonvolatile memory 33 acts as an image quality
adjustment value storage means and a third buffer (frame memory) 73
for temporarily storing image data are respectively added to the
circuit structure shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment so as to
provide three systems in total. Since the functions of each of the
blocks are same as those shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment,
the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0050] The third nonvolatile memory 33 which is newly added stores
a default value previously set when the image processing apparatus
was shipped or forwarded. In the ordinary operating state, a CPU 76
can not update this default value.
[0051] In the fourth embodiment, a reduction ratio in a resolution
converter 1 is set 1/2, and the image data from a first image data
operation block 21 is arranged on a right upper position in a
display screen by a screen synthesis block 4, the image data from a
second image data operation block 22 is arranged on a right lower
position in the display screen and the image data from the third
image data operation block 23 is arranged on a left upper position
in the display screen respectively, and a signal from an OSD signal
generator 74 is superimposed on a felt lower position in the
display screen, then a display 5 forms the image to which a
multiscreen synthesis process was executed.
[0052] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the display screen of the
display 5 at this time of the above-mentioned state. In FIG. 7,
numeral 101 denotes an image just before starting the image quality
adjustment operation, numeral 102 denotes an image in performing
the image quality adjustment operation and numeral 111 denotes an
image quality adjustment display according to the OSD signal
generator 74. That is, the same reference numerals as those in the
first embodiment are given. In FIG. 7, numeral 100 denotes an image
to which an image adjustment process was executed on the basis of
the default value of the image quality adjustment value stored in
the third nonvolatile memory 33.
[0053] Therefore, the standard image 100 based on the image quality
adjustment default value is displayed on a left upper position in
the display screen and the image 101 just before starting the image
quality adjustment operation is displayed on a right upper position
in the display screen, and an operator performs an image quality
adjustment operation to the image 102 displayed on a right lower
position in the screen while comparing it with the above-mentioned
images.
[0054] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, an adjustment
operation of the image can be performed while comparing the
standard image of the image quality adjustment default value with
the image just before starting the image quality adjustment
operation by displaying the standard image of the image quality
adjustment default value, the image just before starting the image
quality adjustment operation and the image to be adjusted with
arranged state, therefore, the adjustment operation can be easily
performed.
[0055] Other Embodiments
[0056] In the above first to fourth embodiments according to the
present invention, the image data operation blocks 21, 22 and 23
were provided on the following stages of the resolution converter
1. However, mutual positions between the image data operation
blocks and the resolution converter 1 may be replaced, and image
data to which the image quality adjustment processes were executed
by those image data operation blocks may be respectively reduced by
exclusive resolution converters.
[0057] Further, image data operation blocks capable of executing
adjustment processes using an individual image quality adjustment
value every area in a screen are provided on the following stages
of a multiscreen synthesis means as an image quality adjustment
process means, and the image quality adjustment process may be
executed for one image which is multiscreen synthesized by a screen
synthesis block.
[0058] In the first to third embodiment according to the present
invention, the image 101 just before starting the image quality
adjustment operation and the image 102 in performing the image
quality adjustment operation were displayed with arranged state.
However, the standard image 100 of the image quality adjustment
default value as explained in the fourth embodiment may be
displayed instead of the image 101 just before starting the image
quality adjustment operation.
[0059] Further, a method of selecting any one image from the
standard image 100 of the image quality adjustment default value or
the image 101 just before starting the image quality adjustment
operation by an operator and displaying the selected one image as a
reference image is also considered.
[0060] In any of the above-mentioned embodiments according to the
present invention, the arrangement of the reference image and the
image 102 in performing the image quality adjustment operation is
not limited to the arrangements as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 7,
and a reduction ratio for the both images and the trimming quantity
may be changed.
[0061] In any of the above-mentioned embodiments according to the
present invention, a digital video signal is used as an input image
signal. However, it is needless to say that an effect of the
present invention does not change in a case where the adjustment
process is executed after an analog video signal is A/D
(analog-to-digital) converted or an analog process is executed to
the image quality adjustment process means itself.
[0062] The present invention is applicable to a system composed of
plural equipments (e.g., a host computer, an interface equipment, a
reader, a printer, and the like) or to an apparatus including a
single equipment (e.g., a digital TV receiver, a video camera, a
video editing apparatus, and the like).
[0063] It is needless to say that an object of the present
invention can be achieved in a case where a recording medium
(storage medium) recording the program codes of a software for
realizing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is
supplied to a system or an apparatus and then a computer (or CPU or
MPU) in the system or the apparatus reads and executes the program
codes stored in the recording medium.
[0064] In this case, the program codes themselves read from the
recording medium realize the functions of the above-mentioned
embodiments, and the recording medium recording such the program
codes constitutes the present invention.
[0065] The recording medium recording the program codes and
conversion data such as a table or the like can be, for example, an
FD (Floppy Disk), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetooptical
disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a CD-R (Compact
Disk Recordable), a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card (IC
(Integrated Circuit) card), a ROM or the like.
[0066] It is needless to say that the present invention also
includes not only a case where the functions of the above-mentioned
embodiments are realized by the execution of the program codes read
by the computer, but also a case where an OS (Operating System) or
the like functioning on the computer executes all the process or a
part thereof according to the instructions of the program codes,
thereby realizing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments
by the executed processes.
[0067] As explained above, since an input image is reduced and an
image in performing the image adjustment operation is to be
displayed arranged with a standard image or an image before
performing an adjustment operation treated as a reference image, an
effect that difference in the adjustment can be easily recognized
and a delicate image quality adjustment operation can be easily
performed is obtained.
* * * * *